UNMC Recognized as a Key Care Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has been officially designated as part of the Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease Care Center Network, a prestigious initiative led by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. This recognition places UNMC among 33 specialized centers across the United States, including 27 primary care centers and six clinical associate centers spanning 23 states and Washington, D.C.
The network is dedicated to improving access to high-quality care for individuals suffering from bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease—chronic respiratory conditions that impact hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. According to Dr. Rick Starlin, assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UNMC, the designation underscores the institution’s growth and excellence in specialty care. “Being part of this national network of care centers allows us to offer patients access to novel therapies, clinical trials, education, and support,” Dr. Starlin said. Faculty from UNMC’s Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine have been actively collaborating to provide specialized treatment for these complex conditions.
Understanding Bronchiectasis and NTM Lung Disease Care
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that results in permanently enlarged, thickened, and scarred airways, leading to mucus buildup and an increased risk of lung infections. It is estimated that between 340,000 and 522,000 adults in the U.S. are currently receiving treatment for bronchiectasis.
NTM lung disease, on the other hand, is caused by mycobacteria commonly found in the environment, such as soil and water. Individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions, such as bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are particularly vulnerable to NTM lung infections. The prevalence of NTM Lung Disease Care has been rising in the U.S., affecting tens of thousands of individuals.
Dr. Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, chair of the Care Center Network (CCN) Steering Committee, emphasized the growing need for a structured approach to addressing these conditions. “As the prevalence of bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease grows, it is even more important for us to create this care center network to improve access to high-quality, specialty care and resources patients need,” she said. The network aims to enhance patient outcomes while also advancing research and potential cures.
Expanding the Care Network Nationwide
The Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network is composed of leading medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Stanford University, among others. Institutions that meet the stringent criteria set by the CCN Steering Committee receive either a full Care Center or Clinical Associate Center designation, depending on their resources and infrastructure.
With generous support from Insmed Incorporated and Boehringer Ingelheim, the initiative aims to expand to 150 medical centers across the country within the next three years. This expansion will ensure that more patients have access to specialized treatment and innovative research, ultimately improving the quality of life for those living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease.
As part of this pioneering effort, UNMC’s inclusion in the network reinforces its commitment to delivering cutting-edge care and fostering research in the field of respiratory health.
